Brief

US Supreme Court Rejects 9/11 Mastermind's Appeal to Restore Plea Deal

The high court refused the appeal of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co‑defendants, keeping the withdrawal of their 2024 plea deals in place.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 19 Oct 2026 18:29:16 GMT

The US Supreme Court on Monday denied an appeal by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the September 11 attacks, and two alleged accomplices, seeking to reinstate plea agreements that would have spared them the death penalty.

What happened

In an unsigned order, the Court declined to overturn a lower‑court ruling that upheld the government’s decision in 2024 to withdraw the plea deals reached with military prosecutors. The appeal, filed by Mohammed, Mustafa al Hawsawi and Walid bin 'Atash, sought to revive those agreements. The decision leaves the withdrawal in place and keeps five death‑penalty charges pending. A military judge has set a trial date for June 2028, though the schedule depends on procedural deadlines.

What the reports add

TimesNowNews noted that the appeal was rejected while Justice Brett Kavanaugh did not take part in the Court’s consideration. CBS News reported the same procedural detail about Kavanaugh’s non‑participation and added that the defendants were captured in 2003 and have faced delays over the admissibility of evidence obtained through “enhanced interrogation techniques.” Both outlets confirm the plea deals were withdrawn by then‑Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

What was said

Neither outlet provided new quotations from officials; the articles rely on the Court’s unsigned order and prior statements about the plea‑deal withdrawal.

How it came about

The plea agreements were originally reached with military prosecutors in 2024 but were rescinded by the Biden administration under Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The defendants have been held at secret CIA facilities and charged before a military commission for their alleged roles in planning the 9/11 attacks. Earlier this year, Felo News reported on other Supreme Court actions involving death‑penalty cases, such as the stay of execution for an Indian Mujahideen bomber (see article).

Key facts

The US Supreme Court rejected the appeal by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co‑defendants. (timesnownews.com)
The appeal sought to reinstate plea agreements withdrawn in 2024 by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. (cbsnews.com)
A military judge set a trial date for June 2028. (timesnownews.com)
Justice Brett Kavanaugh did not participate in the Court's consideration. (timesnownews.com)
The defendants face five death‑penalty charges. (cbsnews.com)

Timeline

2003-01-01 — Capture of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Mustafa al Hawsawi and Walid bin 'Atash.
2024-01-01 — Plea agreements reached with military prosecutors.
2024-06-01 — Plea agreements withdrawn by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
2026-10-19 — Supreme Court rejects appeal, leaving withdrawal in place.